A drugs campaign targeting students has been launched by Dublin's Lord Mayor.

Lord Mayor Criona Ni Dhalaigh has backed the ‘What’s in the Powder?’ campaign to urge students to think about drug use, and in particular about drugs sold in powder form.

The campaign is the result of a collaboration between three Dublin universities – DIT, TCD, and UCD, and the Ana Liffey Drug Project.

Posters and factsheets will be handed out on college campuses as well as promoted on social media to help educate young people on drug use.

Speaking at the launch, the Major said: “After more than three decades of drugs devastating our communities, Ireland’s drugs problem has gone way beyond the point of a crisis.

"For many people drugs are a reality and an established part of their lives. I personally know families that have seen three successive generations blighted by drugs - lives devastated by chaos, disease and death.

"We need action; and I take this opportunity to call on the next Government to prioritise Ireland’s drugs problem.”